Formula 1 fans tuning into the Imola Grand Prix this weekend will notice a significant change in the Sky Sports commentary box. David Croft, the voice behind the memorable ‘It’s lights out and away we go,’ will be taking a step back from his usual role.
David Croft, or ‘Crofty’ as he’s affectionately known, has been a fixture in the Sky Sports F1 commentary booth since 2012. This year, for the first time since joining the Sky team, he will be missing three races: the Imola GP, the Austrian GP, and the Azerbaijan GP. His absence is due to personal reasons, as he wants to spend more time with his family ahead of his upcoming wedding.
Replacing Croft for the Imola GP is Harry Benjamin, a name that may already be familiar to some F1 fans. Benjamin led the Sky Sports F1 Kids broadcast in 2023 and has extensive experience with live F1 commentary, splitting his duties between F1 TV and BBC Radio 5 Live. He joined the Formula 1 broadcasting team in 2021 and has covered several motorsport series, including F2, F3, F1 Academy, and the Porsche Supercup.
Benjamin expressed his excitement for the opportunity, acknowledging the big shoes he has to fill. ‘I’m very excited,’ he shared on the Sky Sports F1 podcast. ‘Big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it. What a track to do it at as well, Imola, and stood alongside Karun too. I’m honoured.’ He will be sharing commentary duties with analyst and former F1 driver Karun Chandhok during Croft’s absence.
Fans of David Croft won’t have to wait long for his return. He will be back in the commentary box for the iconic Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled for May 26 at 2 PM UK time. After Monaco, he will miss the Austrian GP on June 30 and the Azerbaijan GP on September 15, with Benjamin stepping in again for those races.
While fans may miss Croft’s familiar voice, Harry Benjamin’s experience and enthusiasm promise to make the Imola GP commentary exciting and insightful. The F1 season continues to bring surprises both on and off the track.
